10 Hidden Bars in New York

Tiago

It’s obvious what we like: go to a city and don’t feel like a typical tourist. But travelling is also the act of forgetting about a map and getting lost. What happens is that during the time that you’re lost, you’ll find hidden places away from the touristy spots and you’ll feel like Howard Carter when he discovered the Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Some people think that in a city so crowded as New York, there’s no room to find these new spots. But we know that the “Big Apple” is full of surprises and… hidden bars! If you promise to keep it a secret, we’ll share with you our favourite 10 bars. Deal?

1. Old Rabbit Club

Photo: @silentdan via Instagram

English rock of the 60s and a huge rabbit in the door – welcome to the “Old Rabbit Club”! They have a huge variety of beers so if you’re a fan of this drink, this is the place to go.

124 MacDougal Street (entre Bleecker Street y West 3rd Street)

2. Please Don’t Tell

Photo: @jm21photo via Instagram

In the East Village you’ll find this bar that for many people is considered one of the best and most hidden places of the city. The experience to get inside the Please Don’t Tell is pretty awesome: first you should get inside the Crif Dogs, search for a phone booth, pick up the phone and ring the doorbell. Afterwards you’ll be inside the PDT and there will be some great cocktails waiting for you!

113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

3. The Garret

Photo: The Garret NY

To get to “The Garret” you’ll have to delve into the Five Guys of Green which Village and climb some stairs. Once you reach an open space covered in wood till the skylight, it means you’ve reached your destiny! This is the classic place in which you can take a tea by the morning and start with the cocktails by the afternoon.

296 Bleckeer St. West Village, New York, NY 10014

4. The Campbell Apartment

Photo: @nycgov via Instagram

Did you know there is a hidden bar inside the Grand Central Terminal? This spot was a private room during the 20’s as you can perfectly imagine by the stained glass windows, high ceilings and the fireplace. But now it’s a place that mixes after work parties and travellers who are just passing through.

15 Vanderbilt Ave (entre East 42nd St y East 43rd St)

5. La Esquina

Photo: @jenlaceda via Instagram

Tacos and margaritas with jalapenos are the menu for one night at La Esquina / The Corner. The owners like to keep the mystery behind the bar, but book a dinner reservation and you’ll obviously have access to this spot with low-lights and a romantic feeling.

114 Kenmare Street (entre Mott Street y Elizabeth Street)

6. Little Branch

Photo: @archiveagawa via Instagram

Behind the metal door of the Little Branch you’ll find one of those bars where you can simply lean on the counter and just tell the bartender how are you feeling. In a few minutes he’ll return with your favourite cocktail. It will be even more special if you choose a night where there’s a live jazz band playing.

22 Seventh Avenue S. (con Leroy Street)

7. The Back Room

Photo: @missy_maid via Instagram

The entrance is a bit hidden, but when you get inside The Back Room you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another era. A charming fireplace and cocktails served in teacups preserve the mystery of this bar.

102 Norfolk Street (entre Rivington Street y Delancey Street)

8. The Raines Law Room

Photo: @gacummings1231 via Instagram

Pure elegance. This would be the perfect way to describe this bar in which the different spaces are separated by curtains, the cocktails are authentic and genuine, and the Chester chairs are arranged in a way so that conversations are made of whispers.

48 West 17th Street (entre 5th Ave y 6th Ave)

9. Apotheke

Photo: @wellieee via Instagram

Their cocktails are famous throughout the city, and although it’s a bit expensive, it’s definitely worth a visit to this hidden bar if you go to New York. In Apotheke they make their own alcohol and store it in the typical old pharmacy pots – hence its name. The atmosphere is elegant and romantic.

9 Doyers St #1, New York, NY 10013

10. Angel’s Share

Photo: @jo_enka via Instagram

Hidden behind one of the doors of the Japanese restaurant Village Yokocho, Angel’s Share is known to be one of the quietest secret bars in town, that is, if you visit it in one of the days when there aren’t any parties! Whiskey cocktails are their speciality.

8 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY 10003

Did you like our list? Have you been to any of these bars? Tell us your recommendations in the comments!

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